Gas Pump Handle Assembly

ABSTRACT

A gas pump handle modification comprising: a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly includes a nozzle and a handgrip, wherein said nozzle extends from a first end of the handgrip; a lever frame extending from the handgrip, where a squeeze lever is configured within the lever frame; and a release button positioned along the handgrip, where the release button provides a means to engage the squeeze lever in an upward position to allow the release of fuel through the nozzle. The pump handle assembly also includes a hose attached to a second end of the handgrip where the hose provides a flow of fuel. In one particular embodiment, the pump handle assembly also includes a handgrip cover that covers the connection of the nozzle with the handgrip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a pump handle assembly that includes a push button release incorporated into a conventional gas pump handle.

2. Description of Related Art

Petroleum is a natural resource that is used to create various types of fuels consumed by consumers and businesses throughout the world. The petroleum is refined into consumer products such as gasoline and oil for consumption in their vehicles. The typical consumer purchases the gasoline from a gas filling station that includes a fuel dispenser. Fuel dispensers include a hose and gas pump handles that are inserted into the gas tank opening of the vehicle. Use of the gas pump handle involves the gripping of a lever that may be normally held and squeezed by the individual in order to release fuel through the gas nozzle that forms a portion of the gas pump handle. Although for most people this is a relatively simple and uninhibiting task the use of such a gas pump may be difficult for someone who has difficulty with the functionality of their hand or dexterity. Sometimes this problem is particularly difficult for elderly people who may suffer from arthritis or have other complications that prevent them from actively squeezing the lever at the gas pump during the fueling process. Occasionally the squeeze lever may include a means to lock the lever in a closed position to allow the release of fuel through the nozzle however the user still needs to squeeze the lever to a certain level in order to accomplish such a feat.

Several devices of the prior art have been developed to address the issue with respect to gripping a gas pump lever. One example is the use of a actuator device as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4846447 which discloses a device that is attached to the trigger or lever of the gas pump to press the lever or trigger in an upward position while dispensing fuel through gas pump. Another manual device used in conjunction with a gas pump is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0175786 which discloses a gas pump nozzle handle block and method of use to maintain an open flow position on a traditional lever of a gas pump. The block basically lodges or slides within the opening of the nozzle handle and rotates into the opening frictionally engaging the block to keep the nozzle handle in an open position.

Another example of addressing this issue is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0048711 that discloses a fuel dispenser that is electronically controlled with various advertising and transactional features coupled with the gas pump. The fuel dispenser eliminates the gas-dispensing lever and is electronically controlled through the use of a fueling button and an ergonomic handle as shown in the publication.

It would therefore be advantageous to have a pump handle design that helps to alleviate some of the difficulties for an impaired user. Such a device could alleviate the physical exertion necessary to squeeze the handle lever and would therefore be helpful to many individuals suffering from arthritic or other difficult health deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gas pump handle modification comprising: a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly includes a nozzle and a handgrip, wherein said nozzle extends from a first end of the handgrip; a lever frame extending from the handgrip, where a squeeze lever is configured within the lever frame; and a release button positioned along the handgrip, where the release button provides a means to engage the squeeze lever in an upward position to allow the release of fuel through the nozzle. The pump handle assembly also includes a hose attached to a second end of the handgrip where the hose provides a flow of fuel. In one particular embodiment, the pump handle assembly also includes a handgrip cover that covers the connection of the nozzle with the handgrip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a pump handle assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a pump handle assembly that includes the push button release feature that allows for the flow of fuel through the nozzle of the handle. The pump handle assembly includes an additional feature to the conventional gas pump handle and alleviates the necessity for squeezing the lever of the handle during operation. Use of the pump handle assembly according to present invention would be very advantageous for individuals who have trouble with dexterity or the lack of strength to squeeze the lever to the appropriate distance to release fuel.

A Pump Handle Assembly 100 is depicted in FIG. 1. The Pump Handle Assembly 100 in FIG. 1 includes a Nozzle 20 at one end of the handle and a Hose 30 connected to the opposite end of the handle. Just above the Hose 30 connection, a Hand Grip 28 is provided to handle and maneuver the Handle Assembly 100. The Handle Assembly 100 includes a Squeeze Lever 27 as shown within the Lever Frame 25. Traditionally this Lever 27 is squeezed to release fuel through the Nozzle 20 of the Handle Assembly 100. A Handle Cover 23 is provided at the front end of the handle just below the Nozzle 20. Along the Hand Grip 28 is a Release Button 32. The Release Button 32 provides an alternative means to release fuel through the Nozzle 20. Upon depression of the Release Button 32 a free flow of fuel is released through the Nozzle 20.

The alternative design of the traditional gas pump handle is provided by the present invention herein. This alternative design allows for a push button release of fuel through the gas pump and therefore avoids the necessity of squeezing the Lever 27 in a position to allow the release of fuel. The Squeeze Lever 27 is provided on the present invention as the alternative release means along with the traditional functioning lever of the pump handle. The use of the present invention allows for a more effective and easier use of a conventional gas pump handle. 

What is claimed:
 1. A gas pump handle modification comprising: a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly includes a nozzle and a handgrip, and said nozzle extends from a first end of the handgrip; a lever frame extending from the handgrip, where a squeeze lever is configured within the lever frame; and a release button positioned along the handgrip, where the release button provides a means to engage the squeeze lever in an upward position to allow the release of fuel through the nozzle.
 2. The pump handle assembly according to claim 1, further including a hose attached to a second end of the handgrip, the hose provides a flow of fuel.
 3. The pump handle assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a handgrip cover that covers the connection of the nozzle with the handgrip.
 4. A method of dispensing gasoline through a hand pump assembly comprising the steps of: a. squeezing a lever within a lever frame of a gas pump assembly; b. depressing a release button along a handgrip of the pump handle assembly, wherein the release button provides a means to maintain the lever in a depressed position to allow the flow of gas through the pump handle assembly through the nozzle; and c. providing a means for the release of the lever upon completion of the filling of the gas tank.
 5. The method according to claim 4, where a user may depress the release button a second time to deactivate the depressed position of the lever within the lever frame of the pump handle. 